The University of Warwick’s new Barbie movie inspired social space (which is outdoors and will be useless for 90% of the Sep – May academic year) cost the institution nearly £200,000.
An FOI sent by The Boar revealed that the University of Warwick paid suppliers £166,439 plus VAT, equating to £199,726.80 in total. Taking a look at footage of the space, it’s crazy to think that this project could cost any more than £20k tops – it’s literally a few chairs and benches and umbrellas they’ve painted pink:
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According to the uni’s website the area is a “vibrant new outdoor space nestled by Café Library that provides a multi-use area for students, staff and visitors to learn, work and play.”
Furthermore, according to the developers, the vibrant, pink colour was chosen to foster “a playful, creative atmosphere where ideas can flourish”. The colour pink was said to invoke feelings of tranquillity, warmth, and nourishment, creating an “inclusive” environment that “invites people from all backgrounds within the campus community”.
Judging by the comments, some students don’t seem too keen:
I suppose the University of Warwick’s Accounting & Finance alumni are hardly Barbie’s target audience, but maybe they’re going for a Legally Blonde kinda vibe where it will all work out in the end.
Still – £200k! Would love to get a full breakdown of the costs. Probably £20k for the materials, £30k for labour, and £150k for “consultation fees”. No wonder tuition fees are out of control these days…
For the uni student facing 45 years in jail after funding Dubai trips with his girlfriend through a multi-million fraud scheme, click HERE.
